Medication at School

​​​Protocols for safe administration of medication in state schools. 

Schools ensure reasonable care is taken to minimise harm to students when administering medications at school. The staff member responsible for administrating medication is required to ensure that:

Infection control guidelines are followed i.e. hand washing, disposable cups used for administration of medication

•  a two person check is undertaken whenever possible e.g. administration of insulin following Blood Glucose Level reading

•  the ‘Five Rights of Medication Administration’ are followed

•   they are aware of:

•   Pharmacy Labels

• Common medication side affects.

Some medical conditions require exclusion from school or child care to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among staff and children. This  poster ​provides information on the recommended minimum exclusion periods for infectious conditions and will assist medical practitioners, schools, pre-schools and child care centres to meet the requirements of the Public Health Act 2005

Five Rights of Medication Administration

1. Right person

• Check the identity of the student i.e. use of a photograph, asking student their full name and/or their date of birth.

2. Right Drug

• Drugs have a trade and generic name which can cause confusion.  Request that parents/carers print the correct spelling on the request form.

         Check:

• when the drug is taken from the cupboard
•  before the drug is put into a medicine cup or similar receptacle prior to handing it to the student
• again as the container is returned to the cupboard.

3. Right Dose

• The dosage will be on the medication container and the Request to Administer Medication at School ​form. Ensure the drug dosages match.

4. Right Time 

• Medications are designed to be given with specific intervals between doses to ensure consistent therapeutic blood levels. If given at different times other than ordered, the drug ​may be less effective or may cause side effects.
• Often medication instructions are provided in medical terms. Seek clarification as to the time of day medication should be administered, and ensure it is administered at the prescribed times.

5. Right Route

• Medications have specific Routes of Administration
• Check the instructions prior to administration, e.g. to be taken with food.  
• Ensure all oral medications have been swallowed.